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Further education for soldiers: Career after the Bundeswehr
With funded further education, recognized certifications, and practical learning opportunities, you can improve your career prospects and prepare yourself optimally for the job market.
Which topic are you interested in?
What could a new career look like after the Bundeswehr?
Civilian vocational training and further education (ZAW) supports temporary-career and professional soldiers in obtaining recognized civilian qualifications and preparing for their post-Bundeswehr careers. The program is organized via the Vocational Advancement Service (BFD) based on the Soldiers' Pensions Act and opens the door to training in over 50 vocational occupations and around 45 advanced training courses, including those offered by external providers like velpTEC. This allows you to combine your military experience with future-oriented topics such as IT, marketing, AI, or blockchain and build new career prospects.
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1. Stronger career path in service
Additional specializations expand your deployment options and strengthen your professional profile within the Bundeswehr.
2. Targeted transition to civilian life
Recognized certifications help you prepare for a transition into a civilian career at an early stage.
3. Financial security
During the training period, salary continuation is often possible, allowing you to focus entirely on your professional development.
4. More responsibility
New qualifications increase your chances of securing more demanding positions both within and outside the Bundeswehr.
5. Future-proof skills
Fields such as IT, AI, marketing, or project management prepare you for modern career paths.
5. Active support
Professional development is actively supported within the Bundeswehr and can be financed through suitable programs.
Starting your learning journey
1. Get in touch with us
We usually get back to you on the same day.
2. Find your perfect training course
Our training experts will help you find the program that perfectly matches your goals and prior knowledge.
3. Your personalized quote
You will receive a personalized quote for your training. We are also happy to advise you on financing options.
4. Your training - your decision
Are you ready? Then let's get started and begin learning the skills for your professional future.
5. Educational Onboarding
Our team will show you the learning platform, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
Make the most of your BFD entitlement
Use BFD funding
The Bundeswehr's Vocational Advancement Service (BFD) supports service members in their transition to civilian careers. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be eligible for funding, counseling, and often continued salary payments for your further training during your service or for up to five years after your service ends.
Finding the right training together
Your journey begins with a consultation with your BFD advisor. Together, you will define your career goals and identify suitable further training measures. As a certified training provider, velpTEC helps you select appropriate programs and supports you in preparing for funding through the Vocational Advancement Service (BFD).
Checklist – are you ready for your career after the Bundeswehr?
If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, you are well-prepared for your next step into the civilian job market:
1. Career goal defined?
Do you already know which field you would like to work in after leaving the Bundeswehr?
2. Transferring military experience?
Can you identify which skills from your military service are valuable to civilian employers?
3. Suitable industry found?
Have you checked where your leadership, organizational, or operational experience is in high demand?
4. Qualifications planned?
Do you know which certificates or qualifications will specifically strengthen your profile?
5. BFD consultation utilized?
Have you coordinated with the Vocational Advancement Service (BFD) regarding funding opportunities at an early stage?
6. Perspectives clarified?
Do you have an idea of the salary, development opportunities, and suitable roles you are looking for?
7. Time for learning scheduled?
Do you want to build on your previous role or consciously pursue a new career path?
8. Resume prepared?
Can you present your military experience in a way that is understandable for civilian companies?
8. Network established?
Do you have contacts who can support you in entering the civilian job market?
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Your path to subsidized training with the education voucher
Online Consultation Appointment
We will help you find the right velpTEC training course in an online consultation and advise you on your education voucher from the employment agency.
Education Voucher Application
Apply to the Federal Employment Agency to receive your funding. We are happy to support you in this process.
Start
Once you have received funding approval from the Federal Employment Agency, you can start your training program on a weekly basis.
Still have questions?
Do you have questions about our training programs or want to know more about us? No problem! If you can't find the answer in our FAQs, just send us an email with your request.
How can I make the most of my BFD entitlement for further education at velpTEC?
Start by scheduling a consultation with the BFD to have your eligibility assessed. Next, coordinate with us to select the right further education program for soldiers, such as in IT or digitalization. You will then submit the required documents to the BFD before starting. Depending on your eligibility, funding of up to 100 percent is possible, and your salary remains unchanged for programs taken during your service.
Which jobs after the Bundeswehr are the best fit for my military career?
If you have leadership experience, roles such as project manager, logistics coordinator, or security consultant are often a great fit. If you come from an IT background, cybersecurity analyst or system administrator are suitable options. If your focus was on logistics or troop leadership, further training in supply chain management is particularly well-suited.
Does velpTEC actively support me in finding a position with a company after my service?
Yes, we support you in your transition to a civilian career. You will receive comprehensive job assistance, portfolio support, and matching with companies. We have already placed over 3,000 pre-qualified talents with companies and will guide you through the entire process until you start your new role, especially in future-oriented fields like IT and marketing.
Further training for soldiers: Detailed training description
Your civilian career start: Launch your success after the Bundeswehr with velpTEC
Do you want to make the most of your time in the Bundeswehr and develop yourself for your military or civilian career? Further training for soldiers opens up diverse perspectives both within and outside of service.
In 2024, 8,131 soldiers participated in civilian vocational training and further education programs. The 93 percent success rate demonstrates the effectiveness of these programs. There are 50 ZAW centers nationwide, supporting over 7,000 participants annually. Participation often includes continued salary payments and leads to recognized qualifications such as specialist or master craftsman certifications.
Start your career path now!
Reasons and benefits of further training for soldiers:
- You strengthen your military career through additional skills and specializations.
- You prepare for your civilian transition early on with recognized qualifications.
- You often benefit from continued salary payments during the training period.
- You increase your chances for more responsible positions within or outside the Bundeswehr.
- You develop in an environment that actively promotes and expands further education.
The most important points at a glance
- Further training for soldiers strengthens your prospects in service and opens up targeted opportunities for your civilian career path.
- Through the Career Transition Service, you can receive up to 100 percent funding for your further education, often including continued salary payments.
- ZAW programs offer recognized qualifications in over 50 apprenticeships and around 45 advanced training courses, including those at external training providers like us.
- Future-oriented fields such as IT, digitalization, AI, marketing, or project management increase your chances of landing secure jobs after your time in the Bundeswehr.
- We support you with personalized learning paths, practical content, certified programs, and active job placement assistance until you start your new career.
Breaking new ground: Your career after the Bundeswehr
The career after the Bundeswehr can be strategically shaped through civilian vocational training and further education. The so-called ZAW is a program for temporary-career and professional soldiers. It allows you to earn recognized civilian qualifications during or after your service and translate your military skills into high-demand professional competencies.
The ZAW includes apprenticeships, master craftsman certifications, specialist business qualifications, and degree programs. It is coordinated by the Career Transition Service based on the Soldiers' Pensions Act. You have access to over 50 apprenticeships and around 45 advanced training courses, either at Bundeswehr technical schools or at external training providers like us.
Here, you have the advantage of diving directly into future-oriented topics such as IT and Marketing as well as AI or blockchain to get started and build a reliable foundation for your future career path.
The goal of the ZAW is to expand your operational capabilities during your service while simultaneously opening up strong prospects for your career after the Bundeswehr.
From service to civilian career: We pave the way for you
Further training for your career after the Bundeswehr at velpTEC follows a learning conceptthat is oriented toward your goals. You receive a personalized learning paththat is tailored to your prior knowledge and learning style.
You learn online with 24/7 access, and can use a location near you whenever you like or simply combine both. Furthermore, you can choose to pursue further education on a full-time or part-time basis.
Throughout the entire process, we support you with expert guidance and are always here for you. Even after you finish, we are happy to remain your primary point of contact.
You can also look forward to a high degree of practical relevance and quality standards of the highest level. The training content is structured so that you can apply your knowledge directly in workshops, case studies, and projects.
Future-oriented topics such as artificial intelligence, Big Data, blockchain, sustainability and green tech are fully integrated. Classes are led by expert instructors and take place in a supportive learning environment . Depending on your individual circumstances, funding may be available to cover the full cost of the program.
Find out more now!
Finding future-proof jobs after the Bundeswehr
For jobs after the Bundeswehr , there are excellent opportunities in future-proof sectors such as IT, logistics, cybersecurity, and project management and AI. Many employers specifically look for profiles with discipline, leadership skills, and resilience. This includes large companies that actively recruit former service members and offer entry-level programs. Additional skills significantly increase your chances of landing a job.
The BFD (Bundeswehr Vocational Advancement Service) supports service members in preparing for and successfully managing their transition into civilian professional life . This is based on the Soldiers' Pensions Act.
Your advantage: Suitable further training can be fully funded by the BFD. Many of our graduates quickly find a job afterwards. Our success rate is very high, and salary increases of 20 to 30 percent are common.
Options include programs in fields such as technology, business, or digitalization. We will work with you to determine if you are eligible for funding.
Strategic planning: Your career after the Bundeswehr
Your Career after the Bundeswehr is most successful when you consciously prepare for your next step and approach your further education in a structured way. Good planning reduces time pressure and financial uncertainty, ensuring you work consistently toward your goal.
Define your goals
Assess your strengths and your current situation to determine your goal. Identify the skills you need for your next job and set a concrete timeline.
Choose the right format
Select a learning format that fits your daily routine. Choose between online, evening, or weekend options, aiming for a realistic workload of about 10 to 20 hours per week. Look for accredited training if you need to earn a recognized qualification.
Clarify funding
Check available funding options and, if you are already employed, speak with your employer. This creates a solid foundation for your start and secures financial support.
Establish a schedule
Block out fixed study times in your calendar and build in regular breaks. A daily time slot can help you establish a routine and stay on track. A task management tool can help you keep up with your weekly goals.
Regularly review progress
Conduct regular reviews to see which topics are truly moving you forward. Build a portfolio, network with others, and use coaching if you need feedback. This keeps your path to a career after the Bundeswehr consistently focused on success.
Guidance checklist: What really matters after the Bundeswehr
The transition to the civilian job market brings many opportunities. At the same time, you may be asking yourself the crucial question of what,after the Bundeswehr, really matters for your professional future?
Our checklist helps you take your next step with confidence.
- Which skills from your military service are particularly valuable to civilian employers?
- In which industries do your leadership and organizational experience fit best?
- Which additional certificates or degrees will effectively strengthen your profile?
- Have you consulted with the Career Transition Service (BFD) early on regarding funding opportunities?
- What specific salary and career development goals are you aiming for?
- Do you want to transition into a similar role or intentionally strike out in a new direction?
- How can you clearly present your military experience on your resume?
- Have you built a professional network to support you in your transition?
Make the most of your BFD entitlement: Further education for soldiers
A further education program for soldiers is specifically supported and funded by the Bundeswehr Vocational Advancement Service . The BFD is your primary point of contact if you are looking to pursue a new career path during your service or up to five years after your service ends .
Based on the Soldiers' Pensions Act , you are entitled to counseling, financial support , and in many cases, continued salary payments during your training.
What does this look like in practice? You get in touch with your assigned BFD advisor via the Career Center and discuss your career goals. Together, you will review suitable opportunities, for example with us in the field of IT or project management. The BFD will determine your eligibility for funding, organize your placement with us, and support your transition into the civilian job market.
100% funding and professional support from velpTEC
We provide full support if you would like to cover your further education through the Bundeswehr Vocational Advancement Service . Are you a soldier or have you completed voluntary military service and your service period is ending soon? Depending on the requirements, you can have your entry into a civilian career 100 percent funded .
We will support you every step of the way. You can work with us to determine which further education program fits your goals and what steps are required for funding. Our certified training courses are recognized for funding and cover subject areas such as technology, business and digitalization .
We will work with you to determine if you are eligible for funding and assist you in preparing for billing through the Vocational Advancement Service (BFD).
FAQ: Further education for soldiers after DZE
How can I make the best use of my BFD entitlement for soldier training at velpTEC?
Start by scheduling a consultation with the BFD to have your eligibility checked. Afterward, coordinate with us to select the right training for soldiers, for example in IT or digitalization. Submit the required documents to the BFD before you begin. Depending on the requirements, funding of up to 100 percent is possible, and your salary remains unchanged for training taken during your service.
Which jobs after the Bundeswehr are the best fit for my military career?
If you have leadership experience, roles such as project manager, logistics coordinator, or security consultant are often a great fit. If you come from an IT background, cybersecurity analyst or system administrator are suitable options. If your focus was on logistics or troop leadership, supply chain training courses are particularly well-suited.
Does velpTEC actively support me in finding a job in the private sector after my service?
Yes, we support you in your transition to a civilian career. You will receive comprehensive job assistance, portfolio support, and matching with companies. We have already placed over 3,000 pre-qualified talents we connect you with companies and support you throughout the entire process until you start your new role, with a special focus on future-oriented fields like IT and marketing.
An excellent learning experience
Our learning content was developed in collaboration with educators and universities and is regularly recognized for its quality.
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„velpTEC hat entscheidend dazu beigetragen, dass ich mich gut auf den zukünftigen Arbeitsmarkt vorbereitet fühle.”
Grafikdesign und Mediengestaltung
„Dank velpTEC erlebe ich eine hervorragende Weiterbildung, die sich problemlos in meinen beruflichen Alltag integrieren lässt. Ich werde durch Dozenten unterstützt, die mich kompetent auf meinem Weg begleiten.”
Buchhalterin in einem gemeinnützigen Verein
„Die Weiterbildung bei velpTEC hat mich durch die Aktualität und Relevanz der Inhalte besonders gut auf meine zukünftige Rolle als Personalentwicklerin vorbereitet.”
Personalentwicklerin
„Meine Erfahrung mit velpTEC begann online, als ich nach Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten im BGM suchte. Gleich zu Beginn hatte ich einen sehr positiven Kontakt mit einer Mitarbeiterin am Telefon.”
Head of Product Fitness Gesundheitsmanagement
„Ein besonders wertvoller Aspekt meiner Lernerfahrung bei velpTEC war die Möglichkeit, zeitnah Feedback zu meinen Fortschritten zu erhalten.“
Senior Marketing Manager
„Ich fühlte mich von Beginn an gut aufgehoben und hatte keinerlei Bedenken, eine Weiterbildung zu 100 % online durchzuführen.“
Personalentwicklerin
„Meine Erfahrung mit velpTEC begann online, als ich nach Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten im Gesundheitsmanagement suchte. Gleich zu Beginn hatte ich einen sehr positiven Kontakt mit einer Mitarbeiterin am Telefon.”
Head of Product Fitness
„Dank velpTEC erlebe ich eine hervorragende Weiterbildung, die sich problemlos in meinen beruflichen Alltag integrieren lässt. Ich werde durch Dozenten unterstützt, die mich kompetent auf meinem Weg begleiten.“
Buchhalterin in einem gemeinnützigen Verein
What our alumni say about velpTEC:
What our alumni say about velpTEC:
„Dank velpTEC erlebe ich eine hervorragende Weiterbildung, die sich problemlos in meinen beruflichen Alltag integrieren lässt. Ich werde durch Dozenten unterstützt, die mich kompetent auf meinem Weg begleiten.“
Buchhalterin in einem gemeinnützigen Verein
„velpTEC hat entscheidend dazu beigetragen, dass ich mich gut auf den zukünftigen Arbeitsmarkt vorbereitet fühle. Die Möglichkeit, direkt mit den Trainern und Trainerinnen über das Arbeitsleben und die Branche zu sprechen, war sehr wertvoll.“
Grafikdesignerin
„Dank velpTEC erlebe ich eine hervorragende Weiterbildung, die sich problemlos in meinen beruflichen Alltag integrieren lässt. Ich werde durch Dozenten unterstützt, die mich kompetent auf meinem Weg begleiten.”
Buchhalterin in einem gemeinnützigen Verein
The learning experience of the future for the skills of tomorrow
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Learn the way you want
Customize your professional development with videos, practical exercises, group sessions, or 1-on-1 coaching.
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Learn with excellent support
It’s normal to have questions. With our award-winning educational support, you’ll get answers whenever you need them.
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Learn from the best experts
You will learn exclusively from trainers who apply their knowledge in the business world every day.
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Learn only relevant content
Your personalized learning experience takes your prior knowledge and experience into account.
Learn the way you want
Customize your professional development with videos, practical exercises, group sessions, or 1-on-1 coaching.
Learn with excellent support
It’s normal to have questions. With our award-winning educational support, you’ll get answers whenever you need them.
Learn from the best experts
You will learn exclusively from trainers who apply their knowledge in the business world every day.
Learn only new content
Your personalized learning experience takes your prior knowledge and experience into account.
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Find your perfect
training course
Focusing on your experience and career goals – our training experts will help you find the perfect course.
